In an introduction the writer points out the purpose or canonical significance of Exodus as follows: “What is the purpose of the divine revelation in Exodus? It purposes to proclaim the continuation of God’s redemptive work, whereby God fulfills His promises in the adoption of His people, and with a view to the coming of Christ.”
This volume in the series “De bijbel” etc. appears more in the nature of a brief commentary than some of the other volumes in the same series. There is more exegesis here. And the interpretation of the text is sober, sound, and scriptural.
He who wants a brief commentary and can read Holland will do wel’l to procure this book.
The introduction to this first volume on the prophecies of Jeremiah confines itself to a review of the historical background of these prophecies.
Also in this volume we find a little more than mere paraphrase of the text, although often we would have liked to seen a little more explanation. Considering, however, that a detailed commentary was, evidently, not the purpose of redactors that conceived the plan of this work, the Rev. Wiersenga has admirably quitted himself of his task. The interpretation of the text is usually sound. The style is clear.
I cannot agree with the author’s interpretation of Jeremiah 14:19-22, as if the carnal element of the people and not Jeremiah and the elect remnant are praying here.
Heartily recommended.
This book was originally designed as a textbook to be used in the “gereformeerde gymnasium.” It is exactly what it is designed to be: an outline of dogmatics.
The author is afraid that, because of its abbreviated style and contents, the book may not always be clear to the reader. This fear is, to my mind, ungrounded. The author writes a very clear style, and the contents of the book should readily be grasped, especially by those for whom it is especially designed, the advanced classes of the “gymnasium.”
On p. 35 the author discusses the pro and con of infra and supra without committing himself. Although what he writes about the Son’s being ordained as Logos would lead one to the conclusion that he must assume the supra-position (especially in the light of Col. 1:15ff.), from other passages it, nevertheless, becomes evident that he agrees with the infra-standpoint of the confessions. We prefer supra.
We heartily recommend this ‘little volume to all that are interested in reformed dogmatics (and who should not be?) and that can read Dutch.
—H.H.